Wreaths of the Heartland

This lovely wreath was inspired by the ring-necked pheasant, introduced as a game bird to South Dakota in 1898. The pheasant became the state bird in 1943.

To make this wreath: Begin with a pre-made twig wreath (ours was 22 inches wide). Using hot glue and a glue gun, attach tiny pheasant pinfeathers to a few twig ends. Using hot glue, attach Brazil nuts (found in grocery stores) around the center opening. Insert medium-size pheasant feathers, all facing the same direction as the twigs. Attach with hot glue. About a dozen long tail feathers are used in the lower third of the wreath. Divide the feathers, using half on one side, half on the other, gluing them horizontally so they resemble whiskers on a cat's face. A large bow of brown satin, attached with florist's wire, is centered above the large feathers.